US9383537B2 - Cassette and drop handle with flexible radius controller - Google Patents

Abstract

Cassettes for optical cables with a plurality of adapters for connecting external devices to the cassette. The cassettes may be hingedly connected to a drop handle that is configured to inhibit access to the plurality of adapters when in a stored position, and allows access when in an open position. The drop handle includes a channel configured to guide cables to at least one side of the cassette while maintaining their connection to the plurality of adapters. The cassettes may also include an opening configured to allow the cables to exit the drop handle on at least one side of the cassette. A flexible radius controller may be connected to the opening and is configured to flex when the cassette is removed from a housing.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application 61/870,897 filed on Aug. 28, 2013, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates generally to optical cable apparatus more particularly to fiber optic cassettes having a drop handle with controllers for fiber optic cables.

2. Technical Background

In optical cable networking apparatus including convergence points and distribution frames, such as in fiber-optics networking, there is a constant demand for components permitting high-density distribution with very high fiber termination counts in a small, confined volume. Accomplishing the high-density distribution with high fiber termination counts requires efficient utilization of space with due regard to constraints put on optical cables, such as minimum bending radius. As such, an ongoing need exists for optical-cable networking components that can effectively utilize a confined volume when large numbers of optical cables are present, while simultaneously avoiding sharp bends to the optical cables.

No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes prior art. The Applicants expressly reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of any cited documents.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a cassette for optical cables that comprises a plurality of adapters for connecting external devices to the cassette. The cassette comprises a drop handle that is hingedly connected to the cassette and configured to inhibit access to the plurality of adapters when in a closed position, and the drop handle allows access to the plurality of adapters when in an open position. The drop handle comprises a channel configured to guide cables connected to the plurality of adapters to at least one side of the cassette, a first opening on a side adjacent to the plurality of adapters and configured to allow the cables into the channel while maintaining their connection to the plurality of adapters, and a second opening on a side adjacent to the first opening and configured to allow the cables to exit the drop handle on the at least one side of the cassette. A flexible radius controller is connected to the second opening.

An additional embodiment relates to a drop handle that comprises a channel configured to guide cables connected to a plurality of adapters to a side of a cassette, a first opening on a side adjacent to the plurality of adapters and configured to allow the cables into the channel while maintaining their connection to the plurality of adapters, and a second opening on a side adjacent to the first opening and configured to allow the cables to exit the drop handle on a side of the cassette. A flexible radius controller is connected to the second opening, and the flexible radius controller bends toward the first opening at a bend radius of greater than or equal to about 0.75 inches to less than or equal to about 3.0 inches, and has a Durometer hardness of from greater than or equal to about 50 to less than or equal to about 70.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cassette tray base and a device holder according to one or more embodiments described herein with a drop handle in a stored position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cassette tray base and a device holder according to one or more embodiments described herein with a drop handle in an access position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of a drop handle having one flexible radius controller according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of a drop handle having two flexible radius controllers according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a drop handle according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a drop handle and a partial side view of a cassette according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of a flexible radius controller according to one or more embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of a drop handle and flexible radius controller according to one or more embodiments described herein.

Cartesian axes are shown in the figures for the sake of reference only and are not intended to be limiting with respect to direction or orientation. Additionally, for sake of reference only and not by way of limitation, the Cartesian axes shown in the figures include arrows that consistently define a particular direction with respect to each axis in all figures that depict the same object in different orientations. Throughout this disclosure, relational terms will be used by a convention in view of the Cartesian axes of the figures and the positive directions indicated by the arrows. According to the convention, relationships relative to the x-axis of any object may be expressed using terms such as left, right, to the left of, or to the right of. According to the convention, relationships relative to the y-axis of any object may be expressed using terms such as front, back, in front of or proximal to, or behind or distal to. According to the convention, relationships relative to the z-axis of any object may be expressed using terms such as top, bottom, above, below, over, or under. Neither the convention nor the terms used to express various relationships are intended to limit any object or component thereof to a direction or orientation in construction or in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of cassettes for optical cables and drop handles pertaining thereto will now be described with reference to the figures. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a cassette1 (e.g., a splice cassette) may include atray base10. Thecassette1 may contain one or more additional features shown in the figures. For example, referring toFIG. 1, thecassette1 may include plurality ofadapters20 for connecting external devices (not shown) via fiberoptical cables50 terminated with a fiberoptic connector51 to optical cables disposed within thecassette1. According to embodiments, thecassette1 may include adrop handle30 having aradius controller35 positioned on at least one side of thedrop handle30. Thedrop handle30 may cover or at least partially cover the plurality ofadapters20 when the plurality ofadapters20 are not in use or may protectcables50 that are plugged into the plurality ofadapters20 when the plurality ofadapters20 are in use by placing thedrop handle30 in a stored position (e.g., a closed position). Thedrop handle30 may be moved, rotated, or pivoted from the stored position as shown inFIG. 1 to an access position (e.g., an open position) to allow access to the plurality ofadapters20 as shown inFIG. 2. Although the two positions of the drop handle are referred to herein as a stored position and an access position, limited access to the adaptors is provided even when the drop handle is in the stored position via the top of the drop handle as shown inFIG. 1. Thedrop handle30 may move from the access position to the stored position, and vice versa, by moving about pivot orhinge40 that allows thedrop handle30 to swing up and down, thereby providing or denying access to the plurality ofadapters20 orcables50, or at least limiting the access to the plurality ofadaptors20 andcables50. To further protect thecables50 or the plurality ofadaptors20 that thecables50 are connected to, in some embodiments thedrop handle30 may comprise acover37 that is hingedly or detachably attached to thedrop handle30.

In addition to protectingcables50, in embodiments, thedrop handle30 may also be configured to organize and guide thecables50 connected to a plurality ofadapters20 in a givencassette1. For example, if thecables50 connected to a plurality ofadapters20 are permitted to extend straight out of the plurality of adapters20 (i.e., if thedrop handle30 were not present inFIG. 1) thecables50 may extend out in the y-direction and hang down in the z-direction, thereby obstructing access to pluralities of adapters in other cassettes that might be present in a housing (not depicted). Therefore, in some embodiments, thedrop handle30 guides thecables50 connected to the plurality ofadapters20 away from and to one side (i.e., the left or right side in the x-direction) of the cassette. In other embodiments, thedrop handle30 may guide thecables50 connected to the plurality ofadapters20 to both sides of thecassette1. For example, in such embodiments, one or more of thecables50 connected to the plurality ofadapters20 may be guided by the drop handle to the left side of thecassette1 in the x-direction and one or more of thecables50 connected to the plurality ofadapters20 may be guided to the right side of thecassette1 in the x-direction.

Embodiments of thedrop handle30 will be described in more detail below referring toFIGS. 3 and 4. As mentioned above, thedrop handle30 may be hingedly connected to thecassette base plate10. As shown inFIG. 3, some embodiments of thedrop handle30 provide the hinged connection with aprotrusion40athat is configured to hingedly engage with an aperture or receiver (not shown) in thebase plate10 of thecassette1. However, it should be understood that theprotrusion40amay be on thebase plate10 and the corresponding aperture may be on thedrop handle30. Further, it should be understood that other hinged connections may be used without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. The hinged connection between thedrop handle30 and thebase plate10 will be described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the drop handle may include achannel310 that is configured to guidecables50 that are connected to the plurality ofadapters20 to one or more sides of thecassette1. According to embodiments depicted inFIG. 3, thechannel310 is configured to guide cables50 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1) that are connected to the plurality of adapters20 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1) to the left side of the cassette (i.e., in the x-direction). However, it should be understood that in other embodiments thechannel310 may be configured to guidecables50 that are connected to the plurality ofadapters20 to the right side of the cassette, or thechannel310 may be configured to guidecables50 that are connected to the plurality ofadapters20 to the left of the cassette and the right of the cassette. Thechannel310 may include afirst opening320 that is configured to be adjacent to the plurality ofadapters20 when the drop handle30 is hingedly connected to thecassette1. Thefirst opening320 is configured to allow thecables50 that are connected to the plurality ofadapters20 to enter thechannel310 while maintaining the connection between thecables50 and the plurality ofadapters20. In embodiments, the drop handle30 comprises asecond opening330 on a side adjacent to thefirst opening320 that is configured to allow thecables50 to exit thechannel310 in the drop handle30 on at least one side of the cassette. AlthoughFIG. 3 shows thesecond opening330 on the left side of the drop handle, it should be understood that thesecond opening330 may be on the right side of thedrop handle30.

In embodiments where thecables50 connected to the plurality ofadapters20 are guided through thechannel310 to one side of thecassette1 such as shown inFIG. 3, aside60, disposed opposite to thesecond opening330 and adjacent to thefirst opening310, may include awall340 that is configured with a bend radius from greater than or equal to about −1.0 inches to less than or equal to about 3.0 inches, such as from greater than or equal to about 1.5 inches to less than or equal to about 2.5 inches. The bend radius of thewall340 may be configured such that it gently bends thecables50 that are connected to the plurality ofadapters20 toward thesecond opening330 if thecables50 contact thewall340. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments thewall340 may not have a bend radius and may substantially form a 90° angle with afront wall350 of thechannel310.

Referring now toFIG. 4, in some embodiments, the drop handle30 comprises athird opening410 that is adjacent to thefirst opening320 and thefront wall350 and is opposite to thesecond opening330. The third opening may be configured to allowcables50 connected to the plurality ofadapters20 to exit thechannel310 to a side of thecassette1 while maintaining the connection between thecables50 and the plurality ofadapters20.

The dimensions of thechannel310, thefirst opening320, thesecond opening330, and, when present, the third opening are not particularly limited and may be any value suitable to accommodate and guide thecables50 to at least one side of thecassette1. In some embodiments, the width W of the channel (i.e., in the y-direction) may be such that it allows thecables50 to gently bend toward thesecond opening330 and, when present, thethird opening410. If the width W of thechannel310 is too small, thecables50 may be bent at a sharp angle, which may damage or break the cables leading to a poor or broken connection between the external device and the cassette. However, if the width W of thechannel310 is too large, valuable space within the holder may unnecessarily be consumed, and thecables50 may have too much flexibility allowing the connection between thecables50 and the plurality ofadapters20 to be jostled and compromised. Accordingly, in embodiments, the width W of thechannel310 may be greater than or equal to about 1.0 inches and less than or equal to about 2.0 inches, such as greater than or equal to about 1.25 inches and less than or equal to about 1.75 inches. In embodiments, the length L of thechannel310 may be sufficient to guide cables away from thecassette1. Therefore, in some embodiments, the length L of thechannel310 is approximately equal to the length of thecassette1. In some embodiments, the length L of thechannel310 is greater than the length of the cassette. The dimensions of the second and third openings may be selected to accommodate the number of cables that are to exit the drop handle through that opening. Accordingly, a span of thesecond opening330 and a span of thethird opening410 may be the same or different, depending on the number ofcables50 that are to exit the drop handle at each respective opening. In embodiments, the span of the second or third opening may be greater than or equal to about 5.0 inches and less than or equal to about 12.0 inches, such as greater than or equal to about 6.0 inches and less than or equal to about 11.0 inches. In other embodiments, the span of the second or third opening may be greater than or equal to about 7.0 inches and less than or equal to about 10.0 inches, such as greater than or equal to about 8.0 inches and less than or equal to about 9.0 inches.

The pivot or hinge40 that allows the drop handle30 to move from the access position to the stored position will be described in more detail referring toFIGS. 5 and 6.FIG. 5 is a side view of the drop handle30 according to embodiments,FIG. 6 is a side view of thecassette1 and drop handle30 hingedly connected thereto as depicted inFIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 5, some embodiments of the drop handle30 comprise aprotrusion40aon anattachment portion510. Theprotrusion40amay be positioned on the inside (i.e., in the x-direction) of the attachment portion, or on the outside of the attachment portion. In the embodiments depicted inFIG. 5, theprotrusion40acomprises anoblong portion40bthat facilitates the hinged connection between the drop handle30 and thecassette1. As shown inFIG. 6, thecassette1 includes an attachment portion610 with anaperture620. Theaperture620 comprises anoblong detents620a,620bthat may be aligned and with theoblong portion40bof theprotrusion40a. For example, in embodiments, theprotrusion40aand theaperture620 may mate (e.g., theoblong portion40bof the protrusion aligns with adetent620aor620bof the aperture620) when the drop handle is at a predetermined angle to the cassette (e.g., the drop handle30 is in the access position or the stored position). However, when the drop handle is not in the access position or in the stored position, theprotrusion40aand theaperture620 may not mate.

Thefirst protrusion40amay engage or insert into anaperture620 of the cassette1 (e.g.,FIGS. 1, 2), and may be operable to lock the drop handle30 in, for example, the access position or the stored position. For example, anoblong portion40bmay engage afirst detent620aof theaperture620 to hold or lock the drop handle30 in the stored position as shown inFIG. 1. The cassette may also comprise asecond detent620bthat is angularly spaced from thefirst detent620asuch that when the drop handle30 is moved from the stored position, theoblong portion40bmay disengage from thefirst detent620aand move, rotate, or pivot until theoblong portion40bengages thesecond detent620b. When theoblong portion40bis engaged with thesecond detent620b, it holds or locks the drop handle30 in the access position as shown inFIG. 2. In embodiments, the hinged connection described above may be present on both sides of thecassette1 and drop handle30 to provide added stability when the drop handle is in the access and stored position. However, it should be understood that any other hinged connection may be used to connect the drop handle30 to thecassette1, such as mechanical hardware, for example, rivets and screws.

In some embodiments, thecassette1 may be one of a number of cassettes removably positioned in a housing (not shown). For example, referring again toFIG. 1, in some embodiments, thecassette1 may be removably positioned to the housing by one ormore grooves15 in the side of thebase tray10 that mechanically couple with protrusions in the housing to secure thecassette1 into the housing. As an alternative, or in addition, to thegrooves15 in thebase tray10, a clip or other type of fastener may be used to removably position thecassette1 to the housing. It should be understood that many mechanisms could be used to removably position thecassette1 to the housing without deviating from the scope of embodiments disclosed herein. To fully access a particular cassette, such as to perform maintenance or to add connections, the cassette may need to be removed from the housing. In such an instance, thecassette1 may be moved forward, for example, in the y-direction, to gain access to the cassette. In many situations, it is desirable to maintain the connection between thecables50 and the plurality ofadapters20 during the maintenance. Such movement can place bending stress on thecables50 that are attached to the plurality ofadapters20. Particularly, bending stress may be applied to thecables50 that are attached to the plurality of adapters by theradius controller35 when the cassette is moved. Accordingly, in embodiments disclosed herein, theradius controller35 may be comprised of a flexible material (hereinafter referred to as the “flexible radius controller”), and it may be configured to flex and gently bend thecables50 when thecassette1 is removed from the housing. In addition to being made from a flexible material, configurations of theflexible radius controller35, such as the bend radius and slope of theflexible radius controller35 in relation to thechannel310 may be such that stress on thecables50 is mitigated when thecassette1 is removed from the housing. Theflexible radius controller35 may be connected to thechannel310 of the drop handle30 via thesecond opening330 and, when present, a secondflexible radius controller36 may be connected to thechannel310 via thethird opening410, as shown inFIG. 4.

In embodiments, theflexible radius controller35 may be made from any material that will flex upon contact with thecables50. If the flexible radius controller is made from a material that is not flexible enough, it will supply bending stress on the cables. However, if the flexible radius controller is made from a material that is too flexible, it will not provide the requisite guidance or direction control to thecables50, and thecables50 may tangle or otherwise become damaged upon movement of the cassette. Therefore, according to some embodiments, the flexible radius controller is made from a material that has a Durometer hardness of from greater than or equal to about 50 to less than or equal to about 70, such as greater than or equal to about 55 to less than or equal to about 65. In other embodiments, the flexible radius controller is made from a material that has a Durometer hardness of from greater than or equal to about 57 to less than or equal to about 62. In yet other embodiments, the Durometer hardness may be about 60, about 55, or even about 65.

Theflexible radius controller35 may be made from any suitable material and, in some embodiments, any material meeting the above Durometer hardness may be used to form theflexible radius controller35. However, in some embodiments, the flexible radius controller is made from elastomers, natural rubbers, Neoprenes (polychloroprenes), propylenes, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene (SEPS), and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, theflexible radius controller35 is made from silicone-containing elastomers, thermoplastic vulcanizates, urethanes, ethylenes, and mixtures thereof. In yet other embodiments, the flexible radius controller is made of Evoprene®, Kraton®, Santoprene®, and mixtures thereof. In embodiments where the drop handle30 comprises second and third openings and a secondflexible radius controller36, theflexible radius controller35 and the second flexible radius controller may be made from the same material. In other embodiments, the flexible radius controller and the second flexible radius controller may be made from different materials.

Theflexible radius controller35 and, when present, the secondflexible radius controller36 may be connected to the drop handle30 via thesecond opening330 or, when present thethird opening410, by any suitable mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, theflexible radius controller35 and, when present, the secondflexible radius controller36 may be connected to the drop handle30 by an adhesive or a physical connector, such as a clip or a snap fitting. In some embodiments, theflexible radius controller35 and, when present, the secondflexible radius controller36 is overmolded onto the drop handle. In some embodiments, the flexible radius controller(s)35,36 may be attached by an adhesive, or mechanically attached, such as by, for example, crimping. In embodiments where theflexible radius controller35 and, when present, the secondflexible radius controller36 are connected to the drop handle30 by over molding, the material of the drop handle30 may be selected to be compatible with such a process. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the drop handle30 is made from polycarbonates, ABS plastics, polybutylene terephthalates, and mixtures thereof.

According to embodiments, and with reference toFIG. 7, which is a partial perspective view of theflexible radius controller35 and drop handle30, theflexible radius controller35 may be configured with a bend radius r extending from a center point C of theflexible radius controller35 to a point O on the outer circumference of theflexible radius controller35 that gently bends thecables50 away from thecassette1 as theflexible radius controller35 guides thecables50 out of thechannel310. If the bend radius r is too large, theflexible radius controller35 may not provide sufficient guidance to thecables50 as they exit thechannel310, which may lead to tangling and other damage of thecables50. However, if the bend radius r of theflexible radius controller35 is too small, the cables will be bent at an angle that may create bending stresses on the cables and thereby cause damage to the cables. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the bend radius r of theflexible radius controller35 may be from greater than or equal to about 0.75 inches to less than or equal to about 3.0 inches, such as from greater than or equal to about 1.00 inches to less than or equal to about 2.75 inches. In other embodiments, the bend radius r of theflexible radius controller35 may be from greater than or equal to about 1.25 inches to less than or equal to about 2.50 inches, such as from greater than or equal to about 1.50 inches to less than or equal to about 2.25 inches. In other embodiments, the bend radius r of theflexible radius controller35 may be about 0.75 inches, about 1.00 inches, or about 1.25 inches. In yet other embodiments, the bend radius r of theflexible radius controller35 may be about 1.50 inches, about 2.00 inches, or about 2.50 inches. AlthoughFIG. 7 shows only oneflexible radius controller35, it should be understood that in embodiments comprising a secondflexible radius controller36, the secondflexible radius controller36 may comprise a bend radius r the same as or similar to those recited above. Further, in embodiments comprising a secondflexible radius controller36, theflexible radius controller35 and the secondflexible radius controller36 may have the same bend radius r. In other embodiments comprising a secondflexible radius controller36, theflexible radius controller35 and the secondflexible radius controller36 may have a different bend radius r. The bend radius r may be approximately equal to the span of the correspondingsecond opening330 orthird opening410.

According to embodiments, and with reference toFIG. 8, which is a front view of theflexible radius controller35 and drop handle30, theflexible radius controller35 may be configured to slope with an angle θ extending from anend820 of the of theflexible radius controller35 connected to the drop handle30 to aterminal end810 of theflexible radius controller35. Angle θ is measured from ahypothetical line830 that is a lateral extension of the drop handle30 taken atend820 to the tangent of the curve formed by theflexible radius controller35 as depicted inFIG. 8. The slope is configured to gently bend thecables50 away from thecassette1 as theflexible radius controller35 guides thecables50 out of thechannel310. If the angle of the slope θ is too large, theflexible radius controller35 may not provide sufficient support to thecables50 as they exit thechannel310, which may lead to tangling and other damage of thecables50. However, if the angle of the slope θ of theflexible radius controller35 is too small, thecables50 may not have sufficient slack, thereby increasing the bending stress of thecables50 as they are guided out of thechannel310 and away from thecassette1. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the angle of the slope θ of theflexible radius controller35 may be from greater than or equal to about 0° to less than or equal to about 90°, such as from greater than or equal to about 5° to less than or equal to about 60°. In other embodiments, the angle of the slope θ of theflexible radius controller35 may be from greater than or equal to about 10° to less than or equal to about 40°, such as from greater than or equal to about 15° to less than or equal to about 20°. In other embodiments, the angle of the slope θ of theflexible radius controller35 may be about 5°, about 10°, or about 15°. In yet other embodiments, the angle of the slope θ of theflexible radius controller35 may be about 20°, about 25°, or about 30°. The flexible radius controller may have a bend radius r¹defined by the downward slope of the flexible radius controller. The bend radius r¹of theflexible radius controller35 may be from greater than or equal to about 0.75 inches to less than or equal to about 3.0 inches, such as from greater than or equal to about 1.00 inches to less than or equal to about 2.75 inches. In other embodiments, the bend radius r¹of theflexible radius controller35 may be from greater than or equal to about 1.25 inches to less than or equal to about 2.50 inches, such as from greater than or equal to about 1.50 inches to less than or equal to about 2.25 inches. In other embodiments, the bend radius r¹of theflexible radius controller35 may be about 0.75 inches, about 1.00 inches, or about 1.25 inches. In yet other embodiments, the bend radius r¹of theflexible radius controller35 may be about 1.50 inches, about 2.00 inches, or about 2.50 inches. AlthoughFIG. 8 shows only oneflexible radius controller35, it should be understood that in embodiments comprising a secondflexible radius controller36, the second flexible radius controller may comprise an angle of the slope θ similar to those recited above. Further, in embodiments comprising a secondflexible radius controller36, theflexible radius controller35 and the secondflexible radius controller36 may have the same angle of the slope θ. In other embodiments comprising a secondflexible radius controller36, theflexible radius controller35 and the secondflexible radius controller36 may have a different angle of the slope θ.

Thus, embodiments of cassettes and drop handles for optical cables have been described. The cassettes and drop handles may include a flexible radius controller configured to flex upon movement of the cassette or the drop handle to mitigate bend stresses on cables connected to a plurality of adapters in the cassette. Thereby, ease and efficiency of maintenance or installation operations for optical-fiber networking equipment may be facilitated.

Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the description and claims are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (21)

What is claimed is:

1. A cassette for optical cables comprising:

a plurality of adapters that connect external devices to the cassette; and

a drop handle hingedly connected to the cassette and configured to inhibit access to the plurality of adapters when in a closed position and to allow access to the plurality of adapters when in an open position, the drop handle comprising:

a channel configured to guide cables connected to the plurality of adapters to at least one side of the cassette;

a first opening on a side proximate to the plurality of adapters and configured to allow the cables into the channel while maintaining their connection to the plurality of adapters;

a second opening on a side proximate to the first opening and configured to allow the cables to exit the drop handle on the at least one side of the cassette; and

a flexible radius controller connected to the second opening.

2. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to flex when the cassette is removed from a housing.

3. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible radius controller is made from a material having a Durometer hardness of from greater than or equal to about 50 to less than or equal to about 70.

4. The cassette ofclaim 3, wherein the flexible radius controller is made from a material having a Durometer hardness of about 60.

5. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to bend toward the first opening at a bend radius of from greater than or equal to about 0.75 inches to less than or equal to about 3.0 inches.

6. The cassette ofclaim 5, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to bend toward the first opening at a bend radius of about 1.5 inches.

7. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible radius controller is made of a material selected from the group consisting of Evoprene, Kraton, and Santoprene.

8. The cassette ofclaim 7, wherein the flexible radius controller is made of a silicone-containing elastomer or Neoprene.

9. The cassette ofclaim 8, wherein the flexible radius controller is made of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS).

10. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible radius controller is overmolded onto the drop handle.

11. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to slope from an end connected to the drop handle to a terminal end.

12. The cassette ofclaim 10, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to slope at an angle from greater than or equal to about 0° to less than or equal to about 90° .

13. The cassette ofclaim 12, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to slope at an angle of about 15°.

14. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein the material of the flexible radius controller and the second flexible radius controller are the same.

15. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein the material of the flexible radius controller and the second flexible radius controller are different.

16. A drop handle comprising:

a channel configured to guide cables connected to a plurality of adapters to a side of a cassette;

a first opening on a side proximate to the plurality of adapters and configured to allow the cables into the channel while maintaining their connection to the plurality of adapters;

a second opening on a side proximate to the first opening and configured to allow the cables to exit the drop handle on a side of the cassette;

a third opening that is proximate to the first opening and on an opposite side from the second opening, and a second flexible radius controller is connected to the third opening; and

a flexible radius controller connected to the second opening.

17. The drop handle ofclaim 16, wherein the flexible radius controller is made of a material selected from the group consisting of Evoprene, Kraton, and Santoprene.

18. The drop handle ofclaim 16, wherein the flexible radius controller is over molded onto the drop handle.

19. The drop handle ofclaim 16, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to slope from an end connected to the drop handle to a terminal end.

20. The drop handle ofclaim 19, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to slope at an angle of about 15°.

21. The drop handle ofclaim 16, wherein the flexible radius controller is configured to bend toward the first opening at a bend radius of greater than or equal to about 0.75 inches to less than or equal to about 3.0 inches, and has a Durometer hardness of from greater than or equal to about 50 to less than or equal to about 70.

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